Time is running out!

Our time in Israel seems to be flying by at an incredible rate. We returned the tools to storage this morning and drove to Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park. The ruins here date back to the 2nd and 3rd century BCE (BC). It was inhabited until 12 century CE (AD) We looked at tombs and cisterns hollowed out by the inhabitants. In one burial cave appears an inscription mentioning Apollophanes, son of Sesmaios, leader of the Sidonian community of Marissa. The inscription and paintings shed light on the art, mythology and zoological erudition of the period, as well as the ethnic group of those interred (Edomite, Sidonian or Greek), family ties, burial customs and more.  David certainly enjoyed the warmer weather at the park. When we drove back up the hill to Jerusalem the temperature began to drop again.  It has been very cool most every day we've been in Jerusalem.

We plan on going out to dinner tonight to the Red Heifer Steak House for a last hurrah to celebrate our time here. Gene is certainly looking forward to tasting a little red meat.